ARTIST STATEMENT
Olivia Mitchell’s contemporary practice explores form, material sensitivity, and the quiet spaces between observation and abstraction. Evolving from an early exploration of the textures found within the coastal landscape, her current work turns to the intimate language of still life, translating the domestic and everyday into minimal, line-based abstractions. Working from her studio in the Cotswolds, her process is fundamentally driven by the act of making itself. She allows the physical properties of each medium to guide the direction of a piece, embracing chance, intuition, and the subtle dialogue between control and spontaneity. This approach aligns closely with the Japanese philosophy of wabi-sabi, finding beauty in imperfection, transience, and the unforced mark.
Influenced by the contemporary practices of Lara Voce, Jay Harper, and Eska Marsh, Olivia draws inspiration from their considered use of composition, restrained palettes, and sensitivity to material and surface. While informed by these approaches, her work has developed a distinct visual language rooted in quiet observation, intuitive mark-making, and the transformation of familiar objects into contemplative abstract forms.
Since graduating with her Master’s in Fine Art in 2024, Olivia has continued to develop a practice centred on intimate, materially sensitive works. Her distinct aesthetic has led to an ongoing collaboration with Anton & K Decorative Antiques, creating a dialogue between her minimalist abstractions and curated historic textures. Her work has also been acquired by a private collector in New York, reflecting the growing international reach of her practice.
CV
EDUCATION
2022-2024: MA Fine Art, University of Gloucestershire
(Merit)
2019-2022: BA Fine Art, University of Gloucestershire
(First Class with Honours)
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
2025-2026: Digital Photography - Creating and Sharing Better Images, The Open University, Short Online Course
(Pass)
SELECTED GROUP EXHIBITIONS
2026: Summer Exhibition and Open Studios, Lansdown Art Studios, Cheltenham
2026: Small Works, Sixteen Gallery, Cheltenham
2026: Artists at Work and Open Studios Event, Lansdown Art Studios, Cheltenham
2026: Sixteen Gallery Collective Curated Exhibition, Sixteen Gallery, Cheltenham
2025: Christmas Exhibition and Open Studios, Lansdown Art Studios, Cheltenham
2024: MA Fine Art Degree Show, Hardwick Gallery, Cheltenham
2023: Temporal Glimpses of the Self, Sixteen Gallery, Cheltenham
2023: Facets and Echoes, Gardens Gallery, Cheltenham
2022: BA Fine Art Degree Show, Hardwick Gallery, Cheltenham
2022: International Women’s Day Exhibition, Quad Walk Gallery, Cheltenham
COMMUNITY PROJECTS
2026: Tewkesbury Uncovered, Old Baptist Chapel, Tewkesbury
2024-: Community Art Project with University of Gloucestershire, John Lewis, Cheltenham
AWARDS
2022: Creative Enterprise Award, University of Gloucestershire
(Group Award)
2020: Fine Art Travel Bursary, Kate and Tom’s
(£500)
ARTIST COLLECTIVES
2025-: Joined the Lansdown Art Studios Association, Cheltenham
2025-: Joined the Sixteen Gallery Collective, Cheltenham and Online
PUBLISHED WORKS
2025: ‘Cacao (2024)’ featured in the Spring 2025 Mark Alexander Collection
COLLABORATIVE PROJECTS
2024-: Collection with Anton and K Decorative Antiques launched
2020-2021: Archive contributions in collaboration with resident artist Louise K Wilson for the Hardwick Gallery and University of Gloucestershire